Meet Sofia Belhouari | Actor, Photographer, Model & Author.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sofia Belhouari and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sofia, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
I am transcendently happiest when I’m in the flow state of creative expression. When I’m able to create and collaborate with the people I love…That’s even better. I’ve always had a very active imagination, and a hunger to build and make. I might have a camera in hand shooting a moment that sparks my curiosity, or I might be getting in the zone with a character on set, or writing for my children’s book characters… whatever creative medium I’m working in, I just find so much joy and peace in the magical state that bridges the gap between the non-physical and physical world.

I believe that one of my gifts is seeing the possibilities that life presents, and curiously running toward what excites and challenges me. I am obsessed with learning about the human mind, and the world around me.

Encouraging others to exercise their creativity also brings me a euphoric and addictive joy as well. I believe that societal labels can sometimes prevent people from experimenting and engaging with their creativity, simply because they are not pursuing art professionally. However, I think this hinders people from actualizing the fullest expression of themselves, which I believe is necessary in knowing oneself, and in knowing oneself there is freedom and unconditional love.

I believe art is a way of life and expression. I believe that everyone has the ability to exercise and grow their creative mindset. Creativity is one of my greatest teachers, greatest joys, and greatest challenge, therefore it is my goal to understand more intimately the intersection between art and science, to help bridge the gap that I see in our world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an artist, I move through the world observantly; soaking up connections, synchronicities, and challenging myself to learn new things. I believe myself to be somewhat of a private investigator, searching for the truth, building worlds in my mind, and expressing what it feels like to be here; here on earth. Art is a reflection of life and I seem to find beauty in everything simply because I’m aware of the rarity of existence. This way of thinking holds me grounded with gratitude and delivers me constant inspiration.

What I learn from the world around me usually pours out in the form of short stories, photography, music, acting, and sometimes crazy cartoon characters.For example, my debut children’s book “Dill Weed”, is a story about an herb who dreams of seasoning something special and never gets chosen, however, with perseverance and wisdom from Grandfather Thyme, he learns that even though he doesn’t season as often as Pepper or Salt, he is still a special herb, and ends up being the secret ingredient that saves the day. Dill Weed is a part of a larger series I’ve been building called “Tastebuds”, and these characters are my way of connecting everything I love + food, in the form of digestible stories to educate and inspire children to believe that their delicious dreams really can come true one ingredient at a time. I wrote Dill Weed, after going through callbacks for an acting role in which the director noted I was “too funny” for the part. I was upset and discouraged, but this little character came to life and taught me that sometimes… we aren’t for everyone… but that doesn’t mean we aren’t special or aren’t meant for great things… rejection is just a part of life that guides us closer to what is right for us.

I’ve been rejected a million times… But I have also had the pleasure of being on set and acting in feature/indie films, modelling for brands and publications like InStyle, and having both walked in as well as shot coverage for NYFW over the years. None of which I would’ve accomplished if I had let other’s limitations define me. These creative industries are all so interconnected, and I learn from, and enjoy them all with a deep mutual respect for every part at play.

What lessons have I learned along the way? 1. Always begin with following curiosity, and never desert her. 2. There is no need to put limitations on what you can do – the world will create enough obstacles to tackle. 3. Our job as artists is to stay clear with the vision, and flexible with the plan. —Throughout my early education, and even in college, I felt the pressures from others wanting to define me or put me in a box. I was in SO many extracurriculars. I was into acting, choir, broadcast tech, comedy troupe, forensics, dance, volleyball… I was even my high school mascot. Some advisors would tell me that I would benefit from picking a lane. But there has always been this stubborn quality I posess to follow my curiosity, and I’m so glad I did, and continue to. It’s as if I knew that one day all my interests and skills would blend together and offer perspective and reverence for one another.

My background in modelling and acting has been integral to my foundation as a photographer. Knowing how to connect with someone, how to communicate a story with an expression, and then translate movement and feeling with direction… having an understanding of how the body moves, and how a garment moves with it, are all just tiny examples of how my artistic mediums each support one another. For example, presently, for work, I am shooting and creating at a freelance capacity, editorial story content for fashion brands, playing the role as both photographer and model with my friend Makinna Hardy. We are having a blast taking our vision and image into our own hands from both sides of the lens; combining all of our skills to create something neither of us has ever seen before. A major life goal of mine is to continue holding space to create as much art as possible from as many mediums as necessary without concern if my path makes sense to anyone else.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite dinner spot is Dellarocos, in Brooklyn. It is famously known among my group of friends, and very near and dear to my heart. It has held so many memories for me throughout the years. Birthdays, special occasions, first dates, and last dates, ordinary nights, and sparkly ones too. It’s the best pizza in Brooklyn in my opinion, and especially the best gluten-free crust, for any fellow gluten-free friends out there. The people who work there are my friends, and they treat all their guests as such. Not to mention it’s a perfect walk to the promenade with a view of the Brooklyn Bridge, Lower Manhattan, and The Statue of Liberty – this spot provides magical views, and endless muses… if you’re into people-watching.

The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens are lovely as well. An afternoon with a journal during spring or summer will make me feel as if I’ve taken a trip out of the city, which is sometimes needed.

Soho in general. There’s just something about Spring Street… I always feel like I’m in a movie over there… Oh and I must not forget to mention Van Leeuwen! (I say as I’m scrapping the last bit of ice cream from a pint). Earl Grey is my favorite flavor, and 100% the way to my heart.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am extremely grateful to have worked with so many talented creators over the years who have inspired me both personally and artistically. My friend Warren Elgort and his father, Arthur Elgort, have been incredible teachers, and I’ve had the pleasure of being photographed, and directed by both of them. There’s a unique creative magic they possess—not only in capturing the perfect shot but also in bringing out the authentic essence of their subjects. As a model, working with them has taught me to move more freely and dynamically. As a photographer, I’ve learned that personal connection, focus, and a sense of fun and spontaneity are the foundations of a great photo.

I owe a lot of praise to my friends and collaborators at Incline Productions, an independent film company based in NYC that I’ve partnered with since moving to New York in 2016. After years of working on numerous film and commercial projects, I’ve had the opportunity to exercise and strengthen my skills alongside some of my best pals. Special shout out to my best pal and collaborator Michael Christensen, who constantly inspires and encourages me, and who has read hundreds of versions of my first published children’s book, Dill Weed.

I’d also like to give a special shout-out to my mother, Sandra, who rides every wave of life with me. It can be challenging to be the parent of a multi-passionate creative, as there is rarely any consistency. However, the unwavering belief my mother has in my vision and goals provides me with the strength to keep pressing on. For that, I am both grateful and incredibly lucky.

P.S. If you haven’t read “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert, I suggest you grab a copy. I’ve purchased 17 copies over the years for friends, as this book has been integral to my development as an artist.

Website: https://www.sofiabelhouari.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofiabelhouari/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-belhouari-668192ab/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgpjtPnTneN5yxm0FUisg3g

Other: https://www.sofiabelhouari.com/photobyphilosofi

Image Credits
Cover image By August Gray Gall
Second Photo By Warren Elgort
Third Photo By Warren Elgort
Fourth Photo By Fiona Dyer
Fifth Photo By Sofia Belhouari, NYC
Eight Photo By Warren Elgort